Archive for March, 2008
March 25th, 2008 at 09:03pm
Under Jewelry
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Personalized silicone bracelets became so popular because these are very easy and cheap to manufacture, fun and attractive to wear and effectively sends messages to millions without much effort. If you’re planning to support a cause, spread some sentiments or simply flaunt your unique style, then these are the perfect accessories for you.
Rising in Popularity
Personalized silicone bracelets are also known as gel bracelets which perhaps were popularized by world class athlete Lance Armstrong in 2004. The famous cyclist had the wristbands made in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation which specifically is concerned with cancer causes. After its first appearance, silicone bracelets began spreading like wildfire featuring a variety of designs, slogans, mottos, logos and messages. Various institutions and events relied on these pieces as a means of spreading news and concern because of their quality appearance and cost-effectiveness.
Your silicone bracelets can have text, logos and messages personalized in various methods. Debossing is a process in which the text and design are imprinted and recessed in the silicone material. Embossing is the opposite in which the text and design are raised on the silicone material. Screen printing is simply applying the text and design onto the surface. Laser engraving involves a machine that places the text and design. Color spraying is the combination of two or more colors wherein the bottom layer of the bracelet is standard silicone while the topmost layer is a thinner silicone material providing a nice contrast to the initial tone. Figuring is customizing designs and patterns according to your preferences. All of these are applied on 100% silicone.
Personalizing Tips
You have the freedom to choose the personalizing method in all wristbands that you order. As far as text is concerned, you can choose the font, text color, thickness and size of each character. Choosing unique characters like Chinese or Braille is also a form of figuring. If you plan to design your own personal logo or picture, submit a clear copy featuring the exact colors and size that you want. Also indicate which part of the personalized silicone bracelets you want to place the text, designs and other patterns.
You have the option of personalizing each bracelet you order even if you’re buying in bulk. If you prefer swirling colors and a combination of two or more, the manufacturer should provide you with their color palette. Some sources will be able to give you over a thousand different shades as well as several fonts and custom-made designs. There might be a maximum number of characters you can place on each bracelet depending on the space available. It is important that you indicate the sizes you need too. Manufacturers usually have 2 to 3 different sizes for kids and adults.
Buying the Bracelets
Personalized silicone bracelets are usually bought in bulk although you’re free to order a single one at designated companies. Looking for companies with no mold charge and offering low minimum order quantity will help you save more. Price for each band is usually $1.50 to $4.50 but buying in bulk can significantly decrease overall cost. If you intend to add more characters or details, you have to pay additional charges. Using two or more colors do not usually affect the price. When ordering online, make sure you have a satisfaction guarantee to replace damaged models.
Visit Just-Bracelets.com to learn more about personalized silicone bracelets, cancer bracelet and wholesale silicone bracelets.
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March 24th, 2008 at 12:03am
Under Jewelry
by Debra Gravelle
The latest fashion trend that fuels the desire to have a body piercing is due to the wide variety of body jewelry offered on the market by body jewelry designers. It is hard not to become absorbed into the obsession surrounding the fashionable body piercing craze with all the vast array of choices in body jewelry and as a result, many people acquire more than the single body piercing in order to accommodate the display of more body jewelry.
With the massive amount of choices in body jewelry, it is hard to limit yourself to a single body jewelry piece or style. Considering the difficulty of limiting yourself to a single small collection of body jewelry for your body piercing, a more logical remedy would be to search out body jewelry shops that also offer discount body jewelry.
Where to find discount body jewelry is not difficult and is as simple as searching the terms “discount body jewelry” in any major search engine. E-bay may be a good source in finding discount body jewelry. There are many body jewelry online shops that will accommodate customers that are looking for the seasonal discount body jewelry sale.
Though, finding discount body jewelry that is less expensive but fashionable, body jewelry is a prize in its own right. The real treat is finding discount jewelry to dress up your body piercing that is made of precious metals and stones.
A little known place to find discount body jewelry is through a specialized online jewelry auction houses where below wholesale discounted body jewelry is a daily offering. Jewelry manufactures often use online auction houses to test the market for a combination of styles and in an array of diversified and unique body jewelry pieces before they put the body jewelry piece on a mass production scale.
Taking advantage of a specialized jewelry auction house to acquire the more expensive body jewelry pieces at a deep discount will allow you to own body jewelry made of precious metals and stones that may otherwise be much harder to obtain.
Giving yourself, the pleasure of owning an expensive piece of discounted body jewelry is worth flaunting. Giving an expensive body jewelry gift is worth bragging rights. The most popular seasonal gift among young adults has been the traditional jewelry. With the growing popularity of body piercing, the traditional jewelry gift is now second place. By executing the advantages of online auction houses, finding discounted body jewelry at unprecedented deep discounts should make the top of the list in gift giving this year.
Discounted online auction houses have the largest selection of discount body jewelry under one virtual property. Since major manufacturer jewelers use the facilities to test the market of body jewelry, you benefit from finding the deepest discounts in purchasing your body jewelry. You also benefit from the availability of acquiring expensive body jewelry pieces at pennies on the dollar that is both unique and affordable.
Finding discount body jewelry allows you to pamper yourself in a way that will not put stress on your budget and will also allow you to give the gift that will surely be talked about for many years to come.
We strive to be the premiere jewelry marketplace bringing you the feel and excitement of a real auction. We have LIVE auctions running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can enjoy bidding at home or at work.For more information visit:http://www.squidoo.com/wholesalejewelryauction
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March 24th, 2008 at 12:03am
Under Jewelry
by Jonathan Blocker
In most of the Western World - Europe, the Anglophone countries and increasingly Westernized Asian countries such as Japan and Korea - diamond engagement rings are a traditional part of the courtship and marriage process. Although plain gold bands for the actual wedding are also traditional, diamond jewelry in the form of a diamond wedding ring set has become much more common. Interestingly, the custom of rings for marriage predates the concept of diamond engagement rings by several centuries.
Diamonds Haven’t Been Forever
Diamonds have been worn as adornment as far back as the days of the Roman Empire, but weren’t used in diamond wedding rings until Archduke Maximilian I of Hapsburg presented one to Marie of Burgundy on the occasion of their wedding in 1477. The concept of engagement rings had started about 250 years earlier as a result of a papal decree; Pope Innocent III decided that couples should go through a longer betrothal period prior to taking vows. Upon announcing their wedding plans, it was customary for the man and woman to exchange plain metal bands - gold for royalty, silver for nobility, bronze for the upper and middle (merchant) class, and iron for peasants.
The Market for Diamond Engagment Rings is Created
The practice of presenting diamond engagement rings is shockingly recent - and in fact, goes back less than sixty years. In fact, it was the result of a corporate marketing strategy designed to convince people of the existence of a “historical tradition” that in fact had never existed!
It was the DeBeers company - a corporate entity based in South Africa that today controls over half the world’s diamond supply - that came up with the most successful “catch phrase” of all time - “A diamond is forever.” This campaign, which began around 1950, resulted in the creation of the new “tradition” of diamond engagement rings.
A similar attempt was made in U.S., again in an attempt to convince the public that it had long been “traditional” for men to receive engagement rings. American men didn’t fall for it, but eventually, a similar marketing campaign resulted in today’s extensive market for “his and hers” diamond wedding ring set.
Diamond Jewelry and Weddings Today
Regardless of what advertising executives say, it is important that those who have a wedding in their future do what is economically comfortable and meaningful for them. After all, millions of dollars have been spent for diamond wedding ring set to celebrate weddings that lasted only a few years or months. On the other hand, there are couples wearing plain, simple gold bands who have gone on to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversaries.
For those who are curious however, the “rule of thumb” - established by the diamond industry - is that men should plan on spending about two months’ salary when considering the purchase of diamond engagement rings.
Jonathon Blocker is an expert on diamond wedding rings, diamond engagement rings and diamond jewelry. He consultants for GemFind.com, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.
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March 24th, 2008 at 12:03am
Under Jewelry
by Craig Thornburrow
Platinum is one of the purest metals and, because it is, more consumers are choosing platinum engagement rings than ever before.
Platinum is a soft metal and can easily encase any diamond. Although a platinum engagement ring can be expensive, its value is immeasurable.
When shopping for a platinum engagement ring, the buyer should always be cognizant of the four Cs of diamonds to begin with. These include: the cut, the carat, the clarity, and the color. More importantly, however, platinum rings hold their value because the metal itself is so rare.
Another important facet of a platinum ring is that it will not tarnish as other metals would, nor will it pose a problem for women whose skin is sensitive to metal.
The prongs on a platinum mount can be easily worked to fit any diamond cut. This is one of the important aspects of platinum. Moreover, since you are making a lifelong investment in a platinum engagement ring, you do not have to worry about the diamond becoming loose because the prongs adhere solidly to the diamond.
Buying platinum engagement rings requires that you learn much about the diamond as well as the platinum. While most local jewelers offer a variety of platinum rings, it is important to ensure that the diamond has been certified by the Gemological Institute of American or the European Gemological Institute.
Why? Sometimes you may come across a platinum engagement ring which is flawed, or perhaps the jeweler cannot grade it. In these cases, it is incumbent upon you to have the diamond graded and obtain a certificate before you make the purchase. The certificate gives you all the information needed to ascertain the cut, clarity, color, and carat of the diamond.
So too, because platinum rings are so expensive, ensuring that the platinum is of the highest quality is also important to its long-term value. One of the best ways to ensure that a platinum engagement ring is the right one for you, choose the diamond first, have it certified, and then proceed to find the platinum mount of choice.
Platinum engagement rings are an investment. The cost is prohibitive and, therefore, researching every facet of platinum mounts and diamonds will ensure that the knowledge you gain will guarantee that you are getting the best for your money.
Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on Platinum engagement rings and Platinum wedding engagement rings at http://www.bestplatinumengagementrings.com
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March 23rd, 2008 at 11:03pm
Under Jewelry
by Jonathan Blocker
The modern princess cut diamond ring is result of over five hundred years of refinement of the art and science of diamond cutting. Princess cut diamonds take advantage of the natural molecular structure of diamonds in order to create the maximum amount of sparkle and shine, which is technically known as “fire.” Princess cut diamond rings have a great deal more of this fire than most traditional round cuts.
Two Pyramids
If you can visualize two pyramids joined at the base - an eight-sided polyhedron, or octagon - you know what diamonds look life when they first come out of the ground. The reason for this has to do with the shape of the carbon molecules that make up diamond crystals. When jewelers finally learned how to cut this substance, they simply followed the gem’s natural shape. Princess cut diamonds represent the pinnacle of the diamond cutter’s art.
Three Years of Study
Princess cut diamonds first appeared almost thirty years ago, and was the innovation of a Los Angeles diamond cutter named Israel Itzkowitz. Prior to this time, the stones used in diamond rings were either “round cut” - with equal cuts around the face of the stone - or “square cut” - meaning that four sides were long and the other four were short, so the face of the diamond approximated a rectangular shape.
A Princess cut diamond ring is the result of three years of intense study on the part of Itzkowitz in his attempts to come up with a cut that combined the best features of both the round and the square cuts.
Current Style
Princess cut diamonds, also called “modified square brilliant,” are the second most popular choice today for diamond engagement rings and other jewelry. Both traditional white and the wide range of colored diamonds account for most of the mounted and loose diamonds sold today.
One of the reasons that Princess cut diamond ring are rapidly gaining in popularity is not only because of its brilliance compared to other cuts; it is in fact the most economical way to cut a diamond. Of all diamond cuts, the princess cut wastes the least of the original stone, so it retains substantially more of its original weight. Because of this, these pieces are less costly than similar rings with round cut gems. All around, a princess cut diamond ring represent the best jewelry value on a per-carat basis.
Jonathon Blocker writes about the diamond industry, princess cut diamond ring, and diamond engagement rings. He is a consultant for GemFind.com, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.
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March 23rd, 2008 at 09:03pm
Under Jewelry
by Roberto Sedycias
Investment is one of the most common ways to make money in modern times as people have less disposable income and want more freedom of choice over their money. The internet has made all types of investment accessible, and more people are becoming interested in how investments can work for them. One of the most obvious and easy forms of investment is jewellery (joias). It is easy to purchase and it is a commodity that everyone is familiar with.
Gold jewellery (joias) is the current hotspot in jewellery investment. Jewellery is proven throughout history to be a longstanding and stable investment, being popular throughout time. This is because the price of jewellery and the financial returns made rely upon many factors, not just the price of the precious metal or stones used at that moment in time. Jewellery has survived many economical collapses, worldwide. It is not susceptible to fluctuating stocks and shares or currency markets and so does not lose its value.
Jewellery (joias) is an art form. It is subject to originality and intricacies in design, and there is always great demand. Recent global reports state that the demand for gold jewellery is rising by an impressive 19% a year, which is a record breaking amount. Jewellery demand is predicted to rise even further. All jewellery is covetable and collectible and becomes worth more with age. This can be reflected by the way in which gold stores are used; around 75% of all gold consumed is in the form of jewellery (joias). The World Gold Council states in its latest gold report that in the US in 2006, jewellery sales totalled $44 billion.
Jewellery (joias) makes a visual statement about the person that is wearing it and so it is an enjoyable investment also. Like in ancient times, jewellery is closely associated with wealth, and so gives the wearer a confident demeanour. Jewellery as an investment has many advantages. For instance, antique jewellery can be bought and sold rapidly for a quick turnover; the demand has already been established above. Jewellery prices are also subject to trends. The latest jewellery fair in Vicenza states that yellow gold is of the highest demand in both the US and Europe, so it would be a good investment. However, due to the nature of the fashion industry this means that white gold jewellery (joias) will be a trend at some point soon.
The secret of jewellery investment is to know what you want and where to get it. This has been made much easier by the internet, as dealers can be contacted and business completed between any destinations on the globe. Furthermore, the internet has increased possibilities for jewellery wholesalers who can advertise their goods more easily, which means investors can get more jewellery for their money. A jewellery dealer will be able to provide you with information on the quality of the piece and the style, but a gold advisor or investment professional may be needed to ensure you buy the right type of jewellery (joias) for the investment you are looking for.
When buying gold jewellery (joias), the most important factor is the caratage. The caratage details the amount of gold content present in the jewellery. Gold is pliable and so needs other metals such as silver and copper to be added to make it durable. This also affects the colour of the jewellery. The purest gold jewellery available is 24 carat and will be a strong yellow-orange colour. Jewellery in other colours can have a lower caratage as bigger quantities of the other metals are required to create the special effect. However, this does not mean that for white gold jewellery will be any less wise an investment as a yellow gold piece, as design, designer and personal taste also feature in the value.
Make sure you choose jewellery (joias) that reflects your tastes and brings you joy, as well as thinking of the long term investment to enjoy its full value.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/joias.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br
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March 23rd, 2008 at 09:03pm
Under Jewelry
by Jeanne Stewart-21154
If you love vintage fashion, you might be interested in purchasing some antique jewelry as well. Perhaps you happen to live in an area that has many antique stores, and you do not know which store you should go to first. The good news is that there are several tips that you can follow when it comes to finding the right antique jewelry.
About Antique Jewelry
Before you go shopping for antique jewelry, think about the kinds of jewelry that you especially like. For example, do you like jewelry from the Victorian era, or would you prefer antique jewelry from the 1920’s?
If you know the kind of antique jewelry that you want, you can narrow down the number and types of antique stores that you might need to go to. This is because there are some antique stores that may only sell a certain kind of antique jewelry, which might not be from the era you are seeking.
While you know that you like the idea of purchasing antique jewelry, you might not be sure of what your preference is in terms of the style of the jewelry that you are shopping for. If you like jewelry that features things like ornate roses, you would do well to hunt for pieces from the Victorian era. You should seek jewelry from the 1920’s if you like jewelry that is colorful and contains geometric designs.
Once you have pinpointed the jewelry style and the era that you prefer, think about what types of events you will be wearing this new jewelry to. For more formal events that have a classic feel to them, wear the beautiful and ornate Victorian jewelry. If you generally spend your time at modern and casual events, purchase jewelry from the 1920s that will add a unique style to some of your trendier outfits.
The price of antique jewelry will vary in accordance with the kind of jewelry it is (gold or silver, large or small pieces), the method with which it is being sold (such as through an estate sale), and the condition it is in. It is logical to expect to pay more for pieces that are in mint condition than for those that will require some effort at restoration, although rarity of the piece and the other factors will weigh into price as well.
If you see a piece of jewelry that you really like but you are concerned about the condition of the piece, keep in mind that you can always take it to a jeweler to have it fixed. Make sure that you factor in the cost of the necessary repairs to the overall price of the piece that you are considering. If you are interested in beginning your own collection of classic pieces, with a little research and footwork you are sure to find good antique jewelry.
Jeanne Stewart, 23 years old. She concerns on many shopping sites and blog.You may visit one of her blogs at Deals For Fun or Will Be Mine
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March 23rd, 2008 at 09:03pm
Under Jewelry
by Jonathan Blocker
Unique Shopping for Custom Design Engagement Rings
Traditionally (at least in the Western world), men present rings to the women they intend to marry, and custom design engagement rings are the best choice. Such custom handcrafted jewelry is one-of-a-kind; there are no two custom design engagement rings that will ever look exactly alike.
Ancient Tradition
During Hellenistic times, men formalized marriage agreements with the unique piece of custom made jewelry that has come to be known as the engagement ring by placing it on the fourth finger of his betrothed’s left hand. In ancient Rome, it was said that this particular finger contained the vena amoris — literally, the “vein of love.”
This tradition as continued to the present day, as this form of custom designed jewelry continues to be worn on what we now call the “ring finger” of the left hand, at least in North America and the U.K. In some cultures however — such as those of Poland and among orthodox Jews — custom design engagement rings are actually worn on the right hand.
It’s More Than Gold and Diamonds
Those who work in the field of custom jewelry design create a wide variety of custom design engagement rings, which can range from plain metal bands made from white, yellow or red gold, silver, or even platinum. Tradition dictates that diamond be used in such custom made jewelry, but such tradition hardly has the force of law — which is the great thing about custom jewelry design. “Custom” means you can have it your way — so if your betrothed for some reason prefers sapphires to diamonds, there’s no reason why such a piece of custom handcrafted jewelry be created!
They’re Not Just For Women Anymore
It’s a rare custom at present, but the practice is becoming increasingly common: women who at the time of an engagement, purchase custom design engagement rings for their men. In Northern Europe, it is actually quite common for both the man and the woman to wear rings during the engagement. In Spain, a woman’s choice for custom men’s jewelry when she accepts a marriage proposal is a wristwatch.
Do What You Want
Traditions are made to be broken — it’s not like the Middle Ages when the Church provided literal “engagement police.” If both want to wear custom design engagement rings that are elaborate and feature expensive gem settings or simple gold or silver bands, an online ring designer is available to provide those one or two-of-a-kind custom handcrafted jewelry pieces. After all, the best custom design engagement rings are the ones that please you and your betrothed.
Jonathon Blocker has years of experience creating custom jewelry. He has cutting edge ideas and great advice. If you’re interested in custom jewelry learn from the expert.
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March 23rd, 2008 at 08:03pm
Under Jewelry
by Erik Petersen
I love watches and love buying watches even more. Whenever I buy a watch I always find myself struggling to decide which watch I should get. I have come up with a few guidelines I use to help me decide on the best watch for my needs.
How am I going to use the watch or, what is the main purpose for my new watch? Do I need a dress watch, casual, sport, dive, or pilot watch? This is the most important step to narrowing down the vast selection of timepieces. It could be a problem if you want a watch to use for running and buy a dress watch with a leather band and no timer.
Once you have decided what you need the watch for, it is important to figure out what you like. Continuing with the example above; if you want a running watch do you prefer digital or analog? Do you prefer stainless steel bands or rubber straps? Or, do you run at night and need a light?
The next step is to decide your price range. There are brands of watches in every price range to fit every use and need. What I usually do is find a more expensive brand and then look at some of their less expensive models. That way I get a good and reliable watch. I also save a little money at the same time.
I recommend going to a store and trying watches on and deciding which one you want. I like to put the watch on and get a sense of how it feels and fits on my wrist. Big watches are in style right now but sometimes they are too big for my wrist. While you are there you can check the prices.
Then search online and check the prices for the watch you have chosen. Although you might have to wait for that great new watch, you will save some money by buying it on the on-line.
I have found that one watch will not meet all of my needs. I have several timepieces that serve different purposes. If you need one watch to serve more than one purpose, some compromises might need to be made.
Erik Petersen is the editor for TimePieceContinuum.com, a website that specializes in Men’s Wristwatches.
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March 18th, 2008 at 11:03pm
Under Jewelry
by Jen Wasilewski
Want to wear gold and silver jewerly but hear it’s a big fashioin don’t? Not sure how to wear bold and oranate jewelry and look great? Jewelry can often make or break your look. Here are some terrific tips to help you look great in your favorite necklaces, earrings, and bracelets
- Mix and Match: The world of fashion is full of outdated and ridiculous rules that women all over feel the need to follow and obey. While some may be well worth adhering to, others deserve to be thrown to the curb. To the relief of women and gift buying men all over the world, it is, I repeat, is okay to wear silver and gold jewelry at the same time. The key to pulling this look off is to keep a sense of unity among your jewelry. If you plan on wearing a delicate and simple silver bracelet, keep any gold jewelry you wear simple and delicate as well.
- Keep it Even: As with most things in life, finding the perfect balance in important. It’s okay to wear earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that are bulky and ornate. However, if you do decide to wear something that is bulky and bold, balance it with simple pieces. For example, if you have a gorgeous bracelet that is quite large, pair it with simple rings. Likewise, extremely ornate or large necklaces will look best paired with simple earrings. Wearing all your bold and beautiful pieces at one time will only take away from the beauty of each piece and ultimately look a little ridiculous.
- Use Your Clothing as a Guide: What you’re wearing is a great way to determine what jewelry to put on. Simple clothing lends itself to ornate jewelry. Solid colors will look great with multi color matching necklaces and bracelets. On the other hand, shirts or sweaters that are loud or have various prints should be accessorized with simple jewelry. The goal of jewelry is to complete and outfit, not to outdo it.
- Consider Your Body Type: Women will search and search for clothing based on their body type but they often don’t consider their build a factor when purchasing jewelry. While a necklace won’t make your legs look fat or your stomach look extra lean, the right piece of jewelry can create or take away length in your neck region. Long and multi layered necklaces will work to make a long and slender neck appear smaller. Necklaces that lay just about your breasts often draw attention away from the neck. Long sleek necks look great with chokers; however, women with slightly more ample or short necks may look rather ridiculous and uncomfortable in a choker.
- Mind the Thin Line Between Terrific and Tacky: Sure, every season comes with one or two fads that make you think twice about designer’s everywhere. Occasionally these outrageous fads wear on us and eventually we find out selves at the cash register shelling out cash for something we hated weeks earlier. Before you know it, it’s in your closet or your jewelry box begging to be worn. If you do decide to partake in a fad and are a little apprehensive about it, pair it with very classic and simple pieces so you don’t overdo it and look like a fashion “don’t.”
For beautiful and unique jewelry visit Tateossian . Tateossian stands for unique contemporary design in jewelry. We offer the best and most exclusive men’s and women’s jewelry from cufflinks to bracelets. Visit us at www.tateossian.com.
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